April 21, 2025 — Vatican City
Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and its first Latin American pontiff, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The Vatican announced that he died peacefully at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, following complications from chronic lung disease and double pneumonia.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected in March 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His papacy was marked by a commitment to humility, social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities. He was known for his ultra-liberal stances on issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and interfaith dialogue.
Despite recent health challenges, including a 28-day hospitalization for a severe respiratory infection, Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, delivering the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Global leaders have paid tribute to Pope Francis’s legacy. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who met with the Pope shortly before his passing, expressed his condolences, stating, “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described him as an inspiration “far beyond the Catholic Church,” and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered him as a leader committed to “inclusive and all-round development.”
Pope Francis meets with the Prophet and other leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In accordance with his wishes for a modest funeral, Pope Francis will be laid to rest in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, making him the first pope since Leo XIII in 1903 to be buried outside the Vatican . The Vatican has announced that his body will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica by Wednesday for public viewing
The Catholic Church now enters a period of mourning and preparation for the conclave to elect the next pope, expected to commence between May 6 and May 11. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will oversee the interim period until a new pontiff is chosen.
Pope Francis’s enduring legacy is one of compassion, humility, and a steadfast commitment to serving the most vulnerable members of society.
James Thompson is an author and ghostwriter, and a political analyst.
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